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Dec 5

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A New Year Coming…

skye and sage

I remember as a child my father used to say that time goes by faster as you grow older. How true I find his words now.  In April, I launched Same Difference, and each month that has passed has felt more like a week. But I am not complaining. My time has been filled with blessings —book readings at schools and day cares, teaching art classes and being a mother to an amazing family.

Now as 2011 approaches, I find myself (as I do at the end of each year) reflecting on my achievements, setting new goals and most important thinking about all that I am grateful for. When I released Same Difference, I was hopeful that children would understand its greater message of the importance of loving yourself. But I never imagined that I’d receive such an overwhelming response—all the beautiful letters and e-mails—from the book’s fans. At times, they’ve brought me to tears. I thank all of you so much for your support and kind messages and for spreading the word about Same Difference.

But I have to give credit where credit is due.  Same Difference could not have been possible without a few special people in my life. First, I must thank my wonderful husband, Gerald, who has always supported me in any endeavor I wanted to pursue. He has been my loudest cheerleader and my best friend. My cousin Chana, who is not only an inspiration for the book, but who also edited the manuscript and promoted it on her blog (cancerslayergyrl.com). We’ve always been more like twin sisters, and we can’t let two days go by without speaking to each other. My mother, who bought a lot of books and gave them out to people. I love you! You gave me my strong moral compass, and quite simply you are the best! Regina R. Robertson, who reviewed Same Difference on Essence.com. Her beautiful words were more than I could have ever hoped for. Ms. Betty and her entire staff, thank you for taking care of my babies. I could not have worked so hard without the peace of mind that they were being well cared for. I know there are so many more people I should be thanking, but please know that you are appreciated.

In 2011, I hope I can take Same Difference to the next level, spend as much time as I can with my friends and family, and keep a positive mind and spirit. I don’t know each of your personal goals, but I wish you only the best, and I hope you continue to go after your dreams. It took me a long time to learn to be patient with myself, and actually I am still working on it. But I love this quote from Confucius: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Good luck. And if you ever need someone to tell you that you can do it, my e-mail is samedifferencebook@gmail.com. I am here.

Happy Holidays

Calida

 

Jul 17

Not Just For Girls!

same difference book readingOver the last few months, my life has been a whirlwind of book readings, book sales, and teaching art classes, not to mention the trials and tribulations of married life and parenting. Though stressful at times, all is well — if you don’t count my futile attempts to potty train my 2-year-old daughter, who always tells she’s gone AFTER the deed is done.

But I’ve been in overdrive trying to promote Same Difference, and my efforts are starting to pay off.

Today my neighbor, who is Vietnamese, stopped me to tell me that he’s read Same Difference to his 3-year-old son more than a 100 times. I smiled and chuckled to myself. Both of my girls have favorite books and movies that I’ve been forced to read and watch over and over. I know firsthand what it’s like to have to feign joy each time I’m forced to read about princess Barbie as if it wasn’t the thousandth time. Funny though. I have no problem reading my own book every day, all day.

A few weeks ago, I read Same Difference at L.A.’s posh children’s restaurant Giggles N Hugs, where I met a father, who is white, who bought the book for his son. He was excited about adding Same Difference to his son’s collection because he understood the deeper message about acceptance and appreciating diversity.

I am so happy that Same Difference is thriving. And I’m honored to receive calls, e-mails, and letters from parents and organizations about all the children who love the book. Though I originally wrote it to address the sensitive and often divisive issues of beauty and identity among African Americans, Same Difference is touching people’s hearts regardless of race — or gender.

close up reading

Thank you all for your support, love, and beautiful messages. And a special thanks to those parents brave enough to buy my little pink book for their sons.

Apr 28

Blooming

Nearly five years ago, I planted a tiny seed and now, I’m watching as it grows. Same Difference began as a dream, then blossomed into words, sketches, paintings, and finally, a book. I feel like the mother of a newborn baby. After so much time spent nursing, coddling, and grooming,she’s sitting up on her own, and I’m so proud.

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Apr 20

At last…

As my 2-year old daughter, Sage, likes to say, “I did it!”  After years of a holding on to my deferred dream, I finally published my first children’s book, Same Difference.

As a dedicated artist, wife, and mother of two girls (ages 4 and 2) and a teenage boy (a gift from my marriage), I’ve had plenty of good excuses for why I couldn’t complete the book that I’ve wanted to write and illustrate for so long. But here I am—at last. It’s been a long and often-emotional journey, but well worth it. The response that I’ve received thus far from people who have been touched by the story and message of Same Difference has been truly overwhelming.

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